South Sudan’s president, Salva Kiir will visit Sudan in the coming days for discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, his aide disclosed.

Kiir’s security advisor, Tut Gatluak Manime said he delivered the president’s special message to the head of the Sovereign Council of Sudan, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

In the letter, Kiir assured Al-Burhan of South Sudan Transitional Government of National Unity’s (TGoNU) commitment to addressing the political, economic and security issues on the basis of mutual respect and seeking common ground while shelving differences.

“I already met the leadership and delivered a message of peace, cooperation, and assurance of support from his excellency the president of the republic of South Sudan to strengthen a shared vision of peace, stability, and harmony to create an environment in which the two sides should step up their high-level strategic dialogues as well as their exchanges at different levels and between various institutions and sectors,” said Manime.

He said Kiir envisions dialogue as key for the peace and stability of neighbouring Sudan.

According to Manime, leaders from the two nations have been working together to implement important agreements to resolve the final status of the contested Abyei region.

“The issue of Abyei is an important matter that needs to be addressed with a demonstration of wisdom and political vision. It is in the common interests of the two countries to maintain peace and stability through effective dialogue and cooperation in these fields. The two sides should stay in contact to strengthen the cooperation,” he said.

Meanwhile, South Sudan’s Minister for East African Affairs, Deng Alor Kuol lauded Kiir’s effort in ensuring peace and stability returns to neighbouring Sudan.